S. N. Jalali ( Saiyada Jalali ), International Award Winning author of An Andalus Adventure, and author of The House of Ibn Kathir series.
“As a child, I remember that moment my heart skipped a beat. ‘Turkish delight!’ The words jumped right out of the page and awoke me. Little did I know that a seed was sown. I began to search for myself in books like never before, and when I couldn’t find my likeness or that book I really wanted to read… I began my own writing journey.”
About the Author
S. N. Jalali
S. N. Jalali ( Saiyada Jalali ) is an International Award-Winning author. An Andalus Adventure, her first Historical Fiction, won the Best International Fiction award at the 42nd SIBF Awards at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
An Andalus Adventure is her debut novel in the Young Adult Historical Fiction genre, continuing the spirit of adventure, love of Islam but through the eyes of very famous historical heroes, stepping back to a fascinating past and into an exciting period in Islamic history; at the dawn of Muslim Spain - Al Andalus.
Her other works include The House of Ibn Kathir series, a Muslim boarding school adventure stories following Yusif and his Friends at Dar Al Ilm Academy.
S. N. Jalali was born in London, UK, but much of her childhood was spent growing up in a small town in South Wales. She returned to London for university studies, where she continues to reside with her family. After completing her degree in BA (hons) Architecture, she travelled widely. In addition to her writing, she has worked as a scriptwriter and presenter for various programmes on the Islam Channel.
Now that the introductions are out of the way, how exactly did I get here?
“Well, it all began with Turkish delight!”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved books. But, I don’t think I ever thought about writing or growing up to be an author as a child - but, I do believe the seed to write was growing.
I think for me it began with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. Oh, how my ears relished when I read the words on the page ‘Turkish delight!’ Not because it was a delicious treat, exotic for some - but it was familiar for me. ‘Turkish’ as in Turkey - a Muslim country. Muslim as in me!
And when in the book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe the fawn says to Lucy in Narnia, it is “always winter and never Christmas; think of that?”
I did - but not quite like Lucy. It was the moment I woke up, to a realisation.
For me books were my wardrobe into worlds, and the pages the doors I walked through; and in the worlds I frequented it was never Ramadan, Eid or Eid Al-Adha, never a great journey to Hajj. Where was I or the things that mattered to me in books? We have stories like the story of Musa (as) and his miraculous staff. By Allah’s (swt) Will, it turned into a great snake that gobbled the snakes of Pharoah’s magicians. Or what about Sulayman (as). He could cover a month’s journey in a single morning, because Allah (swt) gave him the command over the wind that blew gently.
I suppose on retrospect it’s not surprising that I should grow up and write.
First came The House of Ibn Kathir series, about the adventures and antics of Yusif, Warsoma, Reda and Daud.
Then came An Andalus Adventure – a Historical fiction - one of my favourite genres. By the time I was a teenager, I loved history. I was fascinated by the human condition and what life was like in the past. One of my earliest memories at school was learning about the Romans and the feudal system of Europe.
I grew up in Wales, and in one place that I lived at one time, was historically known as a coal mining town and so we learnt about children that used to work in the mines long, long ago. I was gripped, curious, shocked all at once. So, by my teens, I found myself reading fiction inspired by the past whether swash buckling adventures of bygone worlds to reading about tamer lives like those in the classics of Jane Austen.
But always, there was something missing, some inner longing and yearning to find myself and the values I hold dear in the pages I turned.
I’m sure I wasn’t alone in that feeling.
So, by the time I grew up I closed another book to begin another - a new chapter, only this time, my fingers slowly began to move over my keyboard… and the rest, as they say is history!
I am a Muslim author. My name is S. N. Jalali and my books are a place for Muslim kids to own their voice, to lead the adventures and celebrate who they are. So welcome to this space, and into the wonderful world of Islamic fiction for kids, and heroes closer to home!
Well, that’s a little about me and my books. Don't forget you can follow my musings here on my blog and keep up with the latest news on my books and activities by joining my mailing list or via social media too at; YouTube and TikTok @SNJalali, Facebook and Instagram @houseofibnkathir.
If you’re a Muslim School, Islamic School Librarian or Book Club wishing to arrange a book reading with myself, drop us a line via our Contact page.
About Blackstone House
Since 2013, Blackstone House Publications, an independent Publishing House, has been producing Muslim Children’s books (for Tweens, Teens & Young Adults) and introducing a unique, niche genre to the literary landscape. We aspire to connect the young to their rich Islamic heritage and culture as well as to encourage a life long love for reading. Stories can be a great way for Muslim kids to learn about their faith in a fun way; to lead the adventures and see their own lives and values jumping out from the pages of a book. Boosting their self-esteem and confidence through fun, relatable and inspirational Muslim characters and heroes.
Blackstone House Publications regularly exhibits at Major Muslim Events and Festivals up and down the UK. If you’re an organiser of an event, we would love to hear from you.
Reviews for S. N. Jalali’s work
For An Andalus Adventure:
“The author brings to life a pivotal moment in the history of Europe in an imaginative and exciting way …”
“Fantastic…heart-stopping adventure told by a writer who takes us back to the beginning to see the drama unfold. A terrific read.”
For The House of Ibn Kathir Series:
“It was admirable to see small anecdotes of Islamic personalities pop up every so often, particularly from the characters, highlighting the importance for our sons and brothers to look up to these great men as positive role models...
It’s beautiful to see how each of the characters has a weakness that is strengthened by the time we reach the end of the story. The House of Ibn Kathir is a story of leadership and forgiveness, where the meaning of friendship and brotherhood is discovered.”
“A story of friendship and forgiveness, The House of Ibn Kathir is enjoyable and engaging, with a hint of mystery and a lot of fun ... S. N. Jalali has truly created some remarkable characters that I would love to read about further.”
“The story teaches us about sincerity and integrity, the two crucial characteristics of a strong believer.”